US4171830A - Vehicle suspension lift system - Google Patents

Vehicle suspension lift system Download PDF

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Publication number
US4171830A
US4171830A US05/882,786 US88278678A US4171830A US 4171830 A US4171830 A US 4171830A US 88278678 A US88278678 A US 88278678A US 4171830 A US4171830 A US 4171830A
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Prior art keywords
axle
frame
guide
combination defined
lever
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Expired - Lifetime
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US05/882,786
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Stewart N. Metz
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GRANNING SUSPENSIONS Inc
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GRANNING SUSPENSIONS Inc
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
    • B60G17/04—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means fluid spring characteristics
    • B60G17/052—Pneumatic spring characteristics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D61/00—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern
    • B62D61/12—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
    • B62D61/125—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels the retractable wheel being a part of a set of tandem wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
    • B60G2204/47—Means for retracting the suspension
    • B60G2204/4702—Means for retracting the suspension pneumatically

Definitions

  • the present invention provides an axle assembly which may be mounted on a truck to provide the desired additional axle.
  • a novel lifting arrangement is provided to lift the axle off the ground when there is no load on the vehicle thus saving tire wear and engine fuel.
  • the lifting structure is very compact in design so as to fit into the relatively small space which is frequently available for mounting the axle assembly.
  • the suspension is for a vehicle having a frame. It comprises a suspension support structure separate from the vehicle frame.
  • the suspension support structure is of a size and includes structure for mounting thereof on the vehicle frame.
  • An axle is provided along with a pneumatic spring structure therefore securable between the vehicle frame and the axle to resiliently support the axle.
  • a drawbar extends outwardly from the axle towards the forward end of the suspension support structure. Pivotable fastening means secures the drawbar to the suspension support structure.
  • a lifting assembly is provided for the axle. This assembly comprises a lift structure securable to the vehicle frame and a lever structure pivotably connected to the vehicle frame and extending from said lift structure into connection with the axle to lift the axle upon inflation of the inflatable structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a vehicle suspension lift system in accordance with the present invention with the axle in the down position;
  • FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the axle in the retracted position.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle suspension lift system of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taking substantially along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a modified structure for connecting the lift structure to the axle assembly.
  • the vehicle suspension lift system includes angle-shaped members 10, 12 which are bolted to a pair of spaced-apart vehicle frame channel members 14, 16.
  • a pair of pneumatic structures 18, 20 are suspended from members 10, 12 by means of brackets which are welded thereto.
  • the structures 18, 20 are of conventional design and each comprises a pair of flexible air bags.
  • the bags have upper and lower metallic reinforcing discs vulcanized thereto and a center disc vulcanized to the bags to join them together.
  • a conventional pneumatic circuit (not shown) is associated with each structure to supply the bags with the desired amount of air under pressure for inflating or deflating the bags.
  • the bags are used to lift or lower the axle. This is accomplished by increasing the pressure within the bags as will be hereinafter explained.
  • a bracket structure 22, 23 is also suspended from each member 10, 12 rearwardly of each structure 18, 20.
  • the bracket structures serve to pivotably support bell-crank structures 24, 25.
  • Each bell-crank structure includes a forwardly extending arm section 26 from which extends, at approximately right-angles, upwardly extending arm section 28.
  • the arm section 28 is secured to a sleeve 30 as by welding.
  • the sleeve 30 has a central opening therethrough and is pivotably mounted onto bolt structure 32 which extends between bracket elements 34, 36.
  • a rearwardly extending arm section 38 is also secured to the sleeve 30 as by welding to complete the crank assembly.
  • Axle assembly 40 is located rearwardly of the arm section 38 and is positioned therebeneath.
  • Vehicle wheels 42 are rotatively mounted on the axle assembly.
  • An element 44, 46 is provided above the axle assembly.
  • the axle is received in recesses in elements 44, 46 and welded thereto.
  • Each element 44, 46 has an upwardly extending portion 48 and a rearwardly extending portion 50.
  • a bolt structure 52 is provided at the upper end of portion 48 in sliding engagement with wear plates 54, 56 which are secured to the vehicle channel members.
  • the bolt structures 52 guide the axle in its up and down movement. This structure is adjustable to provide for wear which results from the sliding contact.
  • An arm section 57 extends forwardly from each portion 48 of the elements 44, 46 to a position over rearwardly extending arm section 38 of the bell crank.
  • a clevis 58 is secured to the rearward end of bell crank arm section 38 in order to maintain the two arm sections in close proximity.
  • the forward end of bell crank arm section 26 is secured to the lower portion of the pneumatic structures by means of bolts.
  • the pneumatic structures 18, 20 When the pneumatic structures 18, 20 are as in FIG. 1, they are deflated and allow the axle assembly 40 to assume the down position as shown.
  • the pneumatic structures When it is desired to retract the axle assembly and attached wheels from contact with the ground, the pneumatic structures are inflated with higher air pressure whereupon they will expand, as shown in FIG. 2, in an arc to cause pivoting of the bell crank structure 24 and consequent lifting of the axle assembly 40 as illustrated in FIG. 2 to a position where the wheels are off the ground.
  • This lifting results from the contacting point of bell crank arm section 38 against arm section 57 which results in lifting of the entire axle assembly.
  • the contact point of the two arm sections forms a floating pivot point, the position of which changes during upward movement. It should be noted that the axle assembly moves in an arc forwardly from the position of FIG.
  • the axle assembly 40 is pulled by means of structure located forwardly thereof.
  • the axle assembly is attached to a drawbar structure 60.
  • the drawbar structure includes inwardly converging legs 62, 64 which extend from welded points of attachment adjacent the outer ends of the axle into connection with each other at a point centrally located with respect to the axle to thus define a V-shaped configuration when viewed in plan.
  • a pair of downwardly extending support members 66, 68 are bolted to the vehicle frame.
  • a cylindical support member 70 extends between the lower ends of member 66, 68.
  • Couplings 72, 74 having upper members 76 welded to members 66, 68 and lower members 78 bolted to the upper members is provided for support of support member 70.
  • Member 70 is welded to each lower member 78 and then the lower members are bolted to the upper members 76.
  • the drawbar is secured to support member 70 by coupling 79.
  • the coupling member 79 is a resilient coupling to permit pivoting thereof in response to up and down movement of the axle.
  • a resilient sleeve 80 is provided within the coupling.
  • the resilient sleeve permits the outer end of the drawbar structure to pivot about a transverse axis a slight degree upon a rise or fall of the axle.
  • the sleeve 80 also permits a slight amount of tilting about the longitudinal axis, thus accommodating axle pivoting about a horizontal axis defined by the drawbar and axle. Whenever the axle is moved out of its normal position, the sleeve 80 urges it back toward the normal position and will reposition the axle upon cessation of the force thereon. However, the sleeve 80 does not result in the device tending to strongly seek a center position.
  • Shock absorbers represented by the dotted line 82 in FIG. 1, are desirably provided mounted between opening 84 and opening 86 of bracket 88. Such shock absorbers serve the usual function of shock absorbers.
  • a pair of brackets 90, 92 are bolted to the truck frame rearwardly of the axle assembly 40.
  • a pneumatic spring 94, 96 is connected at the upper end to the underside of each bracket.
  • a transversely extending tubular support element 98 extends between and beyond the springs 94, 96.
  • a flat horizontal plate 100, 102 is secured to the element 98, as by welding, beneath each of the springs.
  • the lower portion of the springs is bolted to plates 100, 102.
  • An upwardly extending anchor element 104, 106 is provided at each outer end of the transverse element 98.
  • the anchor elements 104, 106 are U-shaped and receive the rearwardly extending portion 50 of the elements 44, 46.
  • a cylindical locator element 110, 112 is provided above each of the portions 50 and is received in a curved recess.
  • the elements 110, 112 are bolted in place.
  • Another bolt 114 is provided beneath the end of each portion 50 to thereby hold these elements in place.
  • the surface of the portion 50 is curved to thereby permit limited pivoting.
  • the structure described connects the axle to the springs 94, 96 to thereby provide a resilient suspension for the entire assembly.
  • Operation of the springs 94, 96 is conventional. Air under pressure is supplied when the axle moves down in use so that constant pressure is maintained thereagainst. Air is exhausted from the springs when the axle rises. Conventional control means (not shown) are provided for this purpose. When it is desired to lift the axle and wheels off the ground, pneumatic structures 18, 20 are inflated and air springs 94, 96 are exhausted so that they may collapse as shown in FIG. 2.
  • coil springs may be used instead of pneumatic structures 18, 20, coil springs may be used. Such springs will collapse when air springs 94, 96 are inflated and will cause the axle assembly to be lifted when air springs 94, 96 are exhausted.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another means for connecting bell crank 118 to element 57.
  • arm section 120 is connected to structure 57 by means of a double ball joint 122.
  • This structure includes an adjustable shank portion 124 having a ball connection 124, 126 to each element 57, 120. This results in permanent connection of the elements, a true rotating motion with reduced friction and compensation for misalignment of elements 57, 120 and for difference in the basic frame width of the vehicle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

The vehicle suspension provides an axle assembly which may be mounted either on a truck-tractor or a truck-trailer to provide an additional axle. The suspension includes an axle which is suspended from a vehicle frame by means of a spring structure. A drawbar extends forwardly from the axle to connect the axle to the vehicle frame. A lifting mechanism is provided to raise the axle and associated wheels off the ground when desired.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is frequently desirable to add an additional axle assembly to a truck-tractor or trailer to increase the load carrying capacity of the vehicle. The maximum permissible load for each wheel of the truck is regulated by state law. If additional wheels are provided on the truck, the permissible truck load is increased thus permitting the trucker to haul a larger payload. In addition to complying with loading regulations, it is also desirable to add an extra axle when the load is to be increased in order to prevent undue wear on the vehicle.
The present invention provides an axle assembly which may be mounted on a truck to provide the desired additional axle. A novel lifting arrangement is provided to lift the axle off the ground when there is no load on the vehicle thus saving tire wear and engine fuel. The lifting structure is very compact in design so as to fit into the relatively small space which is frequently available for mounting the axle assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The suspension is for a vehicle having a frame. It comprises a suspension support structure separate from the vehicle frame. The suspension support structure is of a size and includes structure for mounting thereof on the vehicle frame. An axle is provided along with a pneumatic spring structure therefore securable between the vehicle frame and the axle to resiliently support the axle. A drawbar extends outwardly from the axle towards the forward end of the suspension support structure. Pivotable fastening means secures the drawbar to the suspension support structure. A lifting assembly is provided for the axle. This assembly comprises a lift structure securable to the vehicle frame and a lever structure pivotably connected to the vehicle frame and extending from said lift structure into connection with the axle to lift the axle upon inflation of the inflatable structure.
IN THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a vehicle suspension lift system in accordance with the present invention with the axle in the down position;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the axle in the retracted position.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle suspension lift system of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taking substantially along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a modified structure for connecting the lift structure to the axle assembly.
The vehicle suspension lift system includes angle- shaped members 10, 12 which are bolted to a pair of spaced-apart vehicle frame channel members 14, 16. A pair of pneumatic structures 18, 20 are suspended from members 10, 12 by means of brackets which are welded thereto. The structures 18, 20 are of conventional design and each comprises a pair of flexible air bags. The bags have upper and lower metallic reinforcing discs vulcanized thereto and a center disc vulcanized to the bags to join them together. A conventional pneumatic circuit (not shown) is associated with each structure to supply the bags with the desired amount of air under pressure for inflating or deflating the bags. In the present invention, the bags are used to lift or lower the axle. This is accomplished by increasing the pressure within the bags as will be hereinafter explained.
A bracket structure 22, 23 is also suspended from each member 10, 12 rearwardly of each structure 18, 20. The bracket structures serve to pivotably support bell- crank structures 24, 25. Each bell-crank structure includes a forwardly extending arm section 26 from which extends, at approximately right-angles, upwardly extending arm section 28. As best seen in FIG. 4, the arm section 28 is secured to a sleeve 30 as by welding. The sleeve 30 has a central opening therethrough and is pivotably mounted onto bolt structure 32 which extends between bracket elements 34, 36. A rearwardly extending arm section 38 is also secured to the sleeve 30 as by welding to complete the crank assembly.
Axle assembly 40 is located rearwardly of the arm section 38 and is positioned therebeneath. Vehicle wheels 42 are rotatively mounted on the axle assembly. An element 44, 46 is provided above the axle assembly. The axle is received in recesses in elements 44, 46 and welded thereto. Each element 44, 46 has an upwardly extending portion 48 and a rearwardly extending portion 50. A bolt structure 52 is provided at the upper end of portion 48 in sliding engagement with wear plates 54, 56 which are secured to the vehicle channel members. The bolt structures 52 guide the axle in its up and down movement. This structure is adjustable to provide for wear which results from the sliding contact.
An arm section 57 extends forwardly from each portion 48 of the elements 44, 46 to a position over rearwardly extending arm section 38 of the bell crank. A clevis 58 is secured to the rearward end of bell crank arm section 38 in order to maintain the two arm sections in close proximity. The forward end of bell crank arm section 26 is secured to the lower portion of the pneumatic structures by means of bolts.
When the pneumatic structures 18, 20 are as in FIG. 1, they are deflated and allow the axle assembly 40 to assume the down position as shown. When it is desired to retract the axle assembly and attached wheels from contact with the ground, the pneumatic structures are inflated with higher air pressure whereupon they will expand, as shown in FIG. 2, in an arc to cause pivoting of the bell crank structure 24 and consequent lifting of the axle assembly 40 as illustrated in FIG. 2 to a position where the wheels are off the ground. This lifting results from the contacting point of bell crank arm section 38 against arm section 57 which results in lifting of the entire axle assembly. In essence, the contact point of the two arm sections forms a floating pivot point, the position of which changes during upward movement. It should be noted that the axle assembly moves in an arc forwardly from the position of FIG. 1 to that of FIG. 2, this movement being more pronounced by noting the initial position of bolt structure 52 and the final position thereof. The overall structure as thus shown and the arc-type movements which result from the interaction of the parts is very compact in nature thus permitting actuation of the entire unit in a very small space which is restricted in size by other components of the vehicle such as, for example, the vehicle transmission and propshaft.
The axle assembly 40 is pulled by means of structure located forwardly thereof. The axle assembly is attached to a drawbar structure 60. The drawbar structure includes inwardly converging legs 62, 64 which extend from welded points of attachment adjacent the outer ends of the axle into connection with each other at a point centrally located with respect to the axle to thus define a V-shaped configuration when viewed in plan. A pair of downwardly extending support members 66, 68 are bolted to the vehicle frame. A cylindical support member 70 extends between the lower ends of member 66, 68. Couplings 72, 74 having upper members 76 welded to members 66, 68 and lower members 78 bolted to the upper members is provided for support of support member 70. Member 70 is welded to each lower member 78 and then the lower members are bolted to the upper members 76.
The drawbar is secured to support member 70 by coupling 79. The coupling member 79 is a resilient coupling to permit pivoting thereof in response to up and down movement of the axle. A resilient sleeve 80 is provided within the coupling. The resilient sleeve permits the outer end of the drawbar structure to pivot about a transverse axis a slight degree upon a rise or fall of the axle. The sleeve 80 also permits a slight amount of tilting about the longitudinal axis, thus accommodating axle pivoting about a horizontal axis defined by the drawbar and axle. Whenever the axle is moved out of its normal position, the sleeve 80 urges it back toward the normal position and will reposition the axle upon cessation of the force thereon. However, the sleeve 80 does not result in the device tending to strongly seek a center position.
Shock absorbers, represented by the dotted line 82 in FIG. 1, are desirably provided mounted between opening 84 and opening 86 of bracket 88. Such shock absorbers serve the usual function of shock absorbers.
The spring means for the suspension system will now be described. A pair of brackets 90, 92 are bolted to the truck frame rearwardly of the axle assembly 40. A pneumatic spring 94, 96 is connected at the upper end to the underside of each bracket. A transversely extending tubular support element 98 extends between and beyond the springs 94, 96. A flat horizontal plate 100, 102 is secured to the element 98, as by welding, beneath each of the springs. The lower portion of the springs is bolted to plates 100, 102. An upwardly extending anchor element 104, 106 is provided at each outer end of the transverse element 98. The anchor elements 104, 106 are U-shaped and receive the rearwardly extending portion 50 of the elements 44, 46. A cylindical locator element 110, 112 is provided above each of the portions 50 and is received in a curved recess. The elements 110, 112 are bolted in place. Another bolt 114 is provided beneath the end of each portion 50 to thereby hold these elements in place. The surface of the portion 50 is curved to thereby permit limited pivoting. As will be appreciated, the structure described connects the axle to the springs 94, 96 to thereby provide a resilient suspension for the entire assembly.
Operation of the springs 94, 96 is conventional. Air under pressure is supplied when the axle moves down in use so that constant pressure is maintained thereagainst. Air is exhausted from the springs when the axle rises. Conventional control means (not shown) are provided for this purpose. When it is desired to lift the axle and wheels off the ground, pneumatic structures 18, 20 are inflated and air springs 94, 96 are exhausted so that they may collapse as shown in FIG. 2.
Instead of pneumatic structures 18, 20, coil springs may be used. Such springs will collapse when air springs 94, 96 are inflated and will cause the axle assembly to be lifted when air springs 94, 96 are exhausted.
FIG. 5 illustrates another means for connecting bell crank 118 to element 57. As thereshown, arm section 120 is connected to structure 57 by means of a double ball joint 122. This structure includes an adjustable shank portion 124 having a ball connection 124, 126 to each element 57, 120. This results in permanent connection of the elements, a true rotating motion with reduced friction and compensation for misalignment of elements 57, 120 and for difference in the basic frame width of the vehicle.

Claims (7)

Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. The combination with a vehicle frame, of an auxiliary axle, means supporting said axle on said frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis located in spaced relation to said axle longitudinally of said frame, resilient means between said frame and said axle to assist in the support of said frame when under load, lifting mechanism for lifting said axle to elevated position with respect to said frame when not under load, said lifting mechanism including a pressure device mounted on said frame between said pivotal supporting means and said axle, and a lever pivoted on said frame between said pivotal supporting means and said axle and attached to said pressure device for transmitting force from said pressure device to said axle to lift said axle as aforesaid.
2. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said axle is connected to said lever by means including a sliding, pivotal connection.
3. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said axle is connected to said lever by means including a double ball joint.
4. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said lifting machanism comprises air bag means.
5. The combination defined in claim 4, wherein said air bag means is capable of traveling in an arc centered on the pivot axis of said lever during expansion and contraction thereof.
6. The combination defined in claim 1, including a guide on said frame, and means on said axle in sliding engagement with said guide to guide the movement of said axle to and from elevated position.
7. The combination defined in claim 1, including guide means on said frame, said axle having a member projecting radially therefrom, said member having a first arm operatively connected to said lever, a second arm operatively connected to said resilient means, and a third arm having means in sliding engagement with said guide means to guide the movement of said axle to and from its elevated position.
US05/882,786 1978-03-02 1978-03-02 Vehicle suspension lift system Expired - Lifetime US4171830A (en)

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Cited By (40)

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US4300787A (en) * 1980-02-07 1981-11-17 Turner Quick-Lift Corporation Lift axle suspension
US4501437A (en) * 1983-04-21 1985-02-26 Dorso Trailer Sales, Inc. Load transfer axle assembly
US4693492A (en) * 1985-04-02 1987-09-15 Ficht Gmbh Wheel suspension using an arc spring
US4763923A (en) * 1987-03-02 1988-08-16 Raidel John E Suspension assembly with air spring and self contained air lift spring
US4900055A (en) * 1989-03-28 1990-02-13 Waymatic, Inc. Hydraulic retractable and extensible wheel suspension
US5090495A (en) * 1990-12-03 1992-02-25 Mcneilus Truck And Manufacturing, Inc. Tag axle for refuse truck
EP0653321A1 (en) * 1993-11-13 1995-05-17 Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik Keilberg Device for lifting an axle
US5456128A (en) * 1989-07-06 1995-10-10 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Cam oscillating drive in a printing machine with kinetic/potential energy storage means for damping undesired oscillations
US5746441A (en) * 1996-12-02 1998-05-05 Rockwell Heavy Vehicle Suspension Systems, Inc. Center beam suspension system
US5791681A (en) * 1996-12-02 1998-08-11 Rockwell Heavy Vehicle Suspension Systems, Inc. Single beam suspension system
US5988672A (en) * 1997-08-11 1999-11-23 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Suspension Systems, Inc. Suspension system with integral box beam
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US20040051261A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2004-03-18 Yakimishyn Kelly William Lift axle suspension
US6796566B2 (en) 2001-12-07 2004-09-28 Suspension Technology, Inc. Lift axle suspension system utilizing diaphragm chambers
US6808033B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2004-10-26 Transportation Techniques, Llc Vehicle suspension system
US20050017572A1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2005-01-27 Daniel Philpott Tag axle assembly
US6986519B2 (en) 1997-01-31 2006-01-17 Aloha, Llc Low profile chassis and suspension
US20070040343A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2007-02-22 Chalin Thomas N Steerable and Liftable Independent Suspension System
US7425005B2 (en) 2003-10-24 2008-09-16 Aloha, Llc Suspensions for low floor vehicles
US7559400B2 (en) 1997-01-31 2009-07-14 Aloha, Llc Low profile chassis and suspension
US20090278328A1 (en) * 2008-05-08 2009-11-12 Air Suspensions, Inc. Suspension assembly with coaxial torsion bar
US20090278329A1 (en) * 2008-05-08 2009-11-12 Air Suspensions, Inc. Suspension assembly
US20100201092A1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2010-08-12 Agco Corporation Tag axle attachment for an off road agricultural applicator vehicle
US20100207346A1 (en) * 2008-05-08 2010-08-19 Air Suspensions, Inc. Suspension assembly
US20100264613A1 (en) * 2009-04-20 2010-10-21 Air Suspensions, Inc. Independent parallelogram suspension system
US20100270766A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Air Suspensions, Inc. Suspension system with single moving element
US20100270769A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Air Suspensions, Inc. Suspension system with a retrofit suspension kit
US8459666B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2013-06-11 Hendrikson USA, L.L.C. Side-beam lift assembly for heavy-duty vehicles
US8720922B2 (en) 2009-04-22 2014-05-13 Transportation Technologies, Inc. Suspension system with single moving element
US8727363B1 (en) 2012-11-06 2014-05-20 Transportation Technologies, Inc. Suspension system having parallel air spring and rubber force reaction
CN104228942A (en) * 2014-09-19 2014-12-24 中国重汽集团济南动力有限公司 Steering rear lift shaft
US8967639B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2015-03-03 Saf-Holland, Inc. Auxiliary axle and suspension assembly
US9415652B2 (en) 2013-07-14 2016-08-16 Robert J McGuire Axle lift system
US9776677B2 (en) 2016-02-10 2017-10-03 Kelly W YAKIMISHYN Lift axle suspension
CN108891218A (en) * 2018-06-29 2018-11-27 潍柴动力股份有限公司 A kind of promotion airsuspension system and automobile
US10293875B2 (en) * 2017-01-25 2019-05-21 Consolidated Metco, Inc. Axel lift mechanism
US11865893B2 (en) * 2022-05-24 2024-01-09 Shanghai Linghuo Trading Co., Ltd. Support device for spring and vehicle having the same
US20240051365A1 (en) * 2022-08-10 2024-02-15 Universal Air, Inc. Air bag suspension
US20240253416A1 (en) * 2023-01-26 2024-08-01 Link Manufacturing, LTD Tandem axle assembly and associated systems and methods
US12179536B2 (en) 2022-10-05 2024-12-31 Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. Under beam lift assembly for heavy-duty vehicles

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